Shelby

Shelby to hire attorney to look into allegations of harassment in town hall

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 October 2023 at 8:50 am

SHELBY – The Town Board voted to have an outside legal firm investigate allegations of harassment in the town hall.

The board on Tuesday evening responded to allegations of women being harassed in the town hall. John Pratt, a town councilman, wrote a letter to the editor posted in the Orleans Hub on Oct. 7, making the allegations.

“I have also been deeply disturbed by instances of women being verbally harassed, degraded, and disrespected by officials, both in the office and in public settings,” Pratt said. “To make matters worse, the outside consultants, funded by our own tax dollars, have at times remained silent during such offenses, or even worse has assisted in their cover-up.”

Pratt also claimed the town government suffers from a lack of professionalism, and many decisions are made behind closed doors.

The town will seek out a law firm to do the investigation and interview town employees about the work atmosphere. The cost to town will be negotiated when the Town Board talks with law firms about the investigation.

Town attorney Kathy Bennett advised the board not to discuss the matter in detail publicly due to potential litigation.

Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz said he takes the allegations seriously and any harassment of women won’t be tolerated.

Shelby seeks to join Orleans lawsuit against STAMP sewer discharge into Oak Orchard

Photo by Tom Rivers: A sewer main is shown along Route 63 in the Town of Alabama in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge on Sunday. The Town of Shelby wants to join an Orleans County lawsuit against the sewer construction in Orleans County and the discharge of treated wastewater into Oak Orchard Creek.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2023 at 10:00 pm

SHELBY – The Town Board, in a 4-1 vote this evening, decided it wants to join an Orleans County lawsuit that seeks to stop construction of a sewer main along Route 63 from the STAMP manufacturing site in Alabama to the Oak Orchard Creek in Shelby.

Orleans County on Sept. 11 filed suit in State Supreme Court to stop a sewer line from coming into the Town of Shelby and depositing up to 6 million gallons of what Orleans says is “contaminated” water into the Oak Orchard Creek.

The county alleges that the Genesee County Economic Development Center formed a “sham corporation” in STAMP Sewer Works to make the 9.5-mile-long sewer main happen.

Orleans officials worry the sewer discharge could impair the water quality of the creek, cause flooding and hurt economic development opportunities at the Medina Business Park.

Scott Wengewicz, Shelby town supervisor, said he agrees with the concerns voiced by the county in opposing STAMP.

Shelby will spell out it reasons for objecting to the project when it files a notice to intervene with State Supreme Court Justice Sanford Church. The judge has set a court date for Oct. 23 at the County Courthouse in Albion for the initial hearing in the Orleans lawsuit. He also has issued the preliminary injunction to not allow any sewer main construction in Orleans County until the arguments are presented in court.

Kathy Bennett, the Shelby attorney, said the town has “a right to have at seat at the table” in court and any other discussions about the project.

“We are clearly an interested party,” she said after this evening’s Town Board meeting.

Ed Zelazny, a town councilman, cast the lone vote against seeking to join the lawsuit. Zelazny said the Town Board previously voted in support of the STAMP Sewer Works. That was in a 5-0 vote on Oct. 13, 2020 when Shelby provided its consent to the forming of STAMP Sewer Works.

Zelazny said the Town Board should have demanded money to ease town taxes as part of the vote and the board members then should have stated their concerns about the impact to the Oak Orchard.

Zelazny said he doesn’t want to see the town commit to spending taxpayer dollars on another lawsuit.

Bennett, the town attorney, said the vote from Town Board about three years ago was only for the formation of STAMP Sewer Works and didn’t give Shelby’s blessing to discharging wastewater from STAMP into the Oak Orchard.

STAMP would send up to 6 million gallons a day at full capacity. The first two tenants at STAMP – Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum – would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater, GCEDC said.

Nearly $18K raised locally for Suicide Prevention

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 October 2023 at 5:30 pm

Provided photos

SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company hosted a basket raffle on Sept. 17 which attracted more than 600 people and raised about $12,800 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

A local contingent for “Team Fuller 155” also participated in the Out of the Darkness Buffalo walk for Suicide Prevention at Canalside in Buffalo on Sept. 23.

With the basket raffle and the walk the local group raised $17,543 for Suicide Prevention, said Ike Watts, one of the leaders of the local effort.

Ike Watts, left, and her husband Jason Watts are pictured on Sept. 23 during Out of the Darkness Buffalo, a walk to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Ike Watts lost two people close to her to suicide. Both were first responders and public employees. She said first responders are often the last ones to seek out help, despite being exposed to many traumatic situations, that often leave them in physical and emotional pain.

The Watts and Fuller families have participated in the walk in Buffalo since 2016. This year a basket raffle was added in Shelby to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

A big group attended Out of the Darkness at Canalside in Buffalo.

Ike Watts doesn’t want there to be a stigma with suicide. She wants people to feel comfortable reaching out for help if they are struggling.

Medina FFA students served breakfast at the basket raffle event on Sept. 17. At left is Jack Cecchini and Maddie Farley is at right.

Watts praised a local committee for joining her in organizing the event on Sept. 17: Rebecca Lacy, Tammy Fearby, Christine Crane, Todd Eick and Stacey Knights. Watts said she expects the raffle will be back again next year after this year’s successful debut.

Knights and Kaderli families thankful for community support of fund helping those with cancer

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 October 2023 at 9:38 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – Aaron Knights welcomes walkers and joggers to a 5K for the Knights-Kaderli Fund that started near the East Shelby Fire Hall on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Knights is the son of the late Richard Knights, who died from cancer at age 38 in 1984. He is part of the inspiration for the Knights-Kaderli Fund, which directs about $40,000 to $50,000 a year to help people in Orleans County who are battling cancer.

The fund also is named in honor of Sue Kaderli, who died from cancer at age 52 in 1989.

The 35th annual walk/run is one of several fundraisers for the Knights-Kaderli Fund. The walk headed from the fire hall down East Shelby Road.

The Knights and Kaderli families estimate that more than $1 million has been used from the fund since it was established, helping cover some of the utilities, co-pays and other bills for people fighting cancer.

The fund typically assists about 40 to 50 people a year with some of their expenses.

“We’ve been through what these people are going through,” said Mary (Kaderli) Zelazny, one of Sue’s daughter. “The last thing you should to worry about is how you should pay a bill. If we can ease that burden that is a great help to people.”

There were about 140 baskets up for raffle, which drew a crowd of people hoping they would be able to take home some of the items.

Mary Zelazny said she is grateful for the many residents and businesses that donated baskets for the event.

“We’re grateful to live in this county,” Zelazny said. “People are very caring.”

There were also other higher-end items up for raffle.

Butchie Stockwell, right in yellow, is on the move in the 5K walk with her friend Nicki Dresser and Nicki’s daughter Cece, 7.

Stockwell said the Knights-Kaderli Fund provided some financial assistance when her parents, Bill and Connie Lyster, both had cancer. Stockwell said the funds eased some of the worries during a difficutl time for her late parents.

Stockwell said she is pleased the Knights and Kaderli families remain committed to the cause of helping many local families each year.

For more information on the Fund, click here or contact Mary Zelazny at (585) 746-8455, Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932 or Stacey Knights Pellicano at (716) 998-0977.

Knights-Kaderli celebrating 35th anniversary 5K walk/run on Oct. 7

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 September 2023 at 7:26 am

Event includes big basket raffle at East Shelby Fire Hall

Photo by Ginny Kropf: From left behind table, Laura Marek, Stacey Knights Pellicano and May Zelazny talk to a volunteer, Christine Griffin, during the 2022 Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run. The fundraiser is scheduled this year on Oct. 7.

MEDINA – The Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run will celebrate its 35th year on Oct. 7 when the annual event takes place at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall.

The fund was formed when the families of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli, who both died from cancer, decided to combine their individual fundraisers into one.

Since then, the Knights-Kaderli Fund has assisted local families battling cancer with transportation costs, prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, medical supplies and household bills, to the tune of $40,000 to $50,000 a year, according to Mary Zelazny, Kaderli’s daughter. That adds up to almost $1.5 million.

This year the walk/run will resemble the more casual family atmosphere of the earlier years, said Knights’ daughter, Stacey Knights Pellicano.

“This is our favorite time of year,” Zelazny said. “We look forward to being with all of our supporters. If you have ever participated in our event, you understand the energy of that day. It gives us hope and unites participants. We know the community will show up to support their neighbors who are living with cancer. Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli were known for their spirit of community and we are honored to remember them in this way.”

Registration is at 10 a.m. and the walk will begin at 11 a.m. at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall. The event will continue as an untimed walk/run so registrants can participate in a leisurely walk with family and friends or set their watches for a 5K run.

As always, participants and the community are invited to support the basket raffle. Lunch will be served immediately after the race and guests may eat outside under the pavilion. Participants are also reminded to take photographs and post on Facebook and Instagram for some fun prizes. Tag #KnightsKaderli5K.

In addition to raising funds through annual events, Knights-Kaderli Fund receives donations from individuals, organizations and memorials. The fund a tax-exempt 501©3 organization, run by a board of directors. This means there are no administrative costs, thereby allowing almost 100 percent of money raised to assist Orleans County cancer patients and their families.

For more information or financial assistance, contact Mary Zelazny at (585) 746-8455, Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932 or Stacey Knights Pellicano at (716) 998-0977.

Online registration for the event may be made by clicking here.

Direct donations may be made through PayPal and a credit card (click here for more information) or through Venmo @knightskaderli.

Judge issues preliminary injunction, not allowing STAMP sewer construction in Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 September 2023 at 4:04 pm

Hearing set for Oct. 23 at Orleans County Courthouse

Photo by Tom Rivers: Traffic was limited to one-way on Route 63 on Aug. 30 while contractors installed a new sewer pipe in the Town of Alabama.

SHELBY – A State Supreme Court has issued a preliminary injunction and temporarily won’t be allowing a sewer line to be constructed in Orleans County, running from the STAMP manufacturing site about 10 miles north to Oak Orchard Creek.

Contractors started installing the 20-inch sewer main last month and are headed north along 63. They haven’t reached Orleans County yet.

Judge Sanford Church on Monday issued the preliminary injunction and set a court date for Oct. 23 at the County Courthouse in Albion.

Orleans County has filed a lawsuit against Genesee County Industrial Development Agency of Batavia, Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation of Batavia, Stamp Sewer Works, Inc. of Batavia, G. Devincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc. of Binghamton, Clark Patterson Lee of Rochester, and Highlander Construction of Memphis, NY.

Orleans contends the GCEDC didn’t properly form STAMP Sewer Works for the project and doesn’t have a right to seek construction easements in Orleans, which is outside Genesee County. Genesee never asked for Orleans permission to undertake the project, Orleans says in the suit.

Orleans economic development officials also are concerned the discharge of treated water from STAMP, at up to 6 million gallons a day at full capacity, could limit economic development efforts in Medina by overtaxing the creek.

GCEDC notes engineering reports say there would be another 10 million gallons of daily capacity for the creek from the Medina sewer plant if STAMP were at full capacity. The first two tenants at STAMP, Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum, would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater GCEDC said.

GCEDC says it secured all required permits and approvals for construction and use of the force main for the sewer, including a right of way permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to cross Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and a discharge permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has temporarily paused drilling as part of the construction after sinkholes were observed in the right of way of the refuge.

There also are fluids associated with subsurface drilling that appeared on the refuge surface outside the perimeter of the right of way, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement on Tuesday.

Craig Leslie, GCEDC attorney, said in a Sept. 11 court filing, asked the judge not to approve a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order.

“Orleans County’s allegations are wholly inconsistent with the facts and the law, and smack of a frivolous and politicized attack on the STAMP project,” wrote Leslie, an attorney with Phillips Lytle LLP.

Orleans County, represented by attorney Jennifer Persico of Lippes Mathias LLP, contends the Genesee agencies others named and in lawsuit “have been engaged in a conspiracy not only to violate General Municipal and Transportation Corporations Law, but also to defraud the residents of Orleans County and citizens of New York State in general by misusing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund an unauthorized project all while acting outside of their respective authority,” according to the Orleans court filing on Sept. 11, seeking the preliminary injunction.

STAMP sewer drilling paused after sinkholes observed in refuge right of way

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2023 at 8:06 pm

Fluids associated with subsurface drilling also seen in refuge

BASOM – Contractors have paused drilling with the construction of a nearly 10-mile-long sewer line along Route 63 after sinkholes have been observed in the right of way of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

There also are fluids associated with subsurface drilling that appeared on the refuge surface outside the perimeter of the right of way, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement this afternoon about the wastewater treatment pipeline for the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).

“Contractors working for Genesee County Economic Development Center have paused drilling activities,” according to the statement. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on the ongoing investigation.”

The sewer construction is the focus of a lawsuit from Orleans County, which alleges the Genesee County Economic Development Center didn’t properly form a subsidiary, STAMP Sewer Works, for the project, and doesn’t have a right to seek construction easements in Orleans, which is outside Genesee County, among several issues cited by Orleans with the project.

Orleans economic development officials also are concerned the discharge of treated water from STAMP, at up to 6 million gallons a day at full capacity, could limit economic development efforts in Medina by overtaxing the creek.

GCEDC notes engineering reports say there would be another 10 million of daily capacity for the creek from the Medina sewer plant if STAMP were at full capacity. The first two tenants at STAMP, Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum, would have a daily discharge of 50,000 gallons of treated wastewater GCEDC said.

1958 jacket from Shelby Drum Corps donated to fire company

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 September 2023 at 8:21 am

Provided photos

SHELBY – Dell Stork’s “Drumfire” jacket from 1958 when he was a member of the Shelby Drum Corps is now framed and on display in the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

Mr. Stork passed away at age 90 on Jan. 17. He carried the American flag for the Drum Corps in 1958. Stork was a Medina firefighter from 1959 to 1969 and then Medina’s fire chief for 20 years until 1989. He then volunteered for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company for 30 years.

Stork’s son Ron donated the jacket on behalf of his father. Ron, second from right, is shaking hands with Tim Petry, president of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Ron’s wife Cherie is at far right and Scott Petry, the deputy fire chief, also were there for the jacket unveiling on Monday evening at the fire hall.

“The Shelby Fire Company would like to thank the Stork family for this donation to the Shelby Fire Company,” Tim Petry said. “It will remain a great memorabilia in our archives.”

This photo shows the Shelby Drum Corps in 1958 when they were pictured in front of the Albion grammar school on East Academy Street.

The drum corps performed in many local parades. Dell Stork is at far left with the American flag.

His jacket from 1958 is believed to be the only jacket remaining from that group. Mr. Stork asked his son Ron to give the jacket to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.

“The community was very important to him, as well as the fire department and the surrounding areas,” Ron Stork said. “I got my love of history and the community from my dad.”

Pickup truck bursts into flames in Shelby

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 September 2023 at 2:31 pm

SHELBY – A pickup truck burst into flames this afternoon near the intersection of Salt Works Road and Route 31.

Scott Wengewicz, the Shelby Town Supervisor, sent in these photos. He was able to help the driver unload some of the materials in the truck before it was engulfed with flames.

Shelby firefighters responded to put the fire out at about 1 p.m. No other information is available.

Schumer urges Orleans, Genesee to resolve dispute with STAMP sewer

File photo by Tom Rivers: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer was in Genesee County on Sept. 1, 2021 at the STAMP site in Alabama. He welcomed Plug Power as the first business at the 1,250-acre site. Pictured at right is Plug Power President/CEO Andrew Marsh and Steve Hyde (far right), who is president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2023 at 8:36 am

ALBION – U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has pushed for years to promote the STAMP site in Alabama, just south of the Orleans County line.

He has made phone calls to top executives in the semiconductor and clean energy industries, urging them to come to STAMP. He has championed legislation to support chip manufacturing and helped secure funding for the park’s infrastructure.

Schumer, the U.S. Senate majority leader, said he is aware of a dispute between Genesee and Orleans counties about the sewer discharge from the 1,250-acre site. Orleans is contesting having up to 6 million gallons of treated wastewater from STAMP be discharged into the Oak Orchard Creek in Shelby.

“I would hope the two counties can come together,” Schumer in Albion on Tuesday when he was promoting an a plan to slow the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. by imposing economic sanctions on Mexico and China. Schumer took questions on other issues from reporters and he was asked about the STAMP sewer dispute between Genesee and Orleans.

A $9.7 million sewer line with pumps is under construction along Route 63. The 9-mile-long project needs two temporary construction easements from Shelby property owners, and Orleans has opposed those easements. The Orleans County Legislature and Orleans Economic Development Agency are concerned the wastewater from STAMP could cause erosion, flooding and hurt the water quality of the Oak Orchard, which is a world renown fishing attraction for trout and salmon.

Orleans officials also don’t want to have the creek levels rise to levels that limit Orleans from promoting its own Medina Business Park.

The attorney for STAMP, Matthew Fitzgerald, said during a July 27 public hearing the 6 million gallon discharge from STAMP would raise the creek water levels by 0.2 inch and would have a negligible impact. He said the project has undergone an extensive environmental review from state and federal agencies.

Schumer declared himself a big supporter of STAMP while he was in Albion. He has personally helped secure Plug Power and Edwards Vacuum as tenants for STAMP.

Plug Power is building a $290 million green hydrogen fuel plant at STAMP as the site’s first tenant. The company expects to have 65-70 workers at STAMP when it opens.

Edwards Vacuum has committed to building a $319 million manufacturing facility at STAMP. That new “factory of the future” will serve the semiconductor industry and advanced manufacturing sectors and create approximately 343 new high-paying jobs.

A full build-out at STAMP will result in 9,000 new jobs for the region, Genesee County economic development officials said.

The sewer project along Route 63 into Orleans is critical for the full development of STAMP, officials at Genesee County Economic Development Corporation said at the July 27 hearing.

“It’s a problem the two counties have to get together and resolve,” Schumer said.

Orleans opposes STAMP sewer discharge in Oak Orchard

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 July 2023 at 6:39 pm

County acquires 2 easements to block sewer pipeline construction

Photos by Tom Rivers: Michael Dobell, chief executive officer for the Orleans Economic Development Agency, said county officials are opposing the sewer discharge into Oak Orchard Creek, saying it could jeopardize future development in Medina and Shelby, while harming the county’s tourism and recreation with the Oak Orchard. (Right) Jennifer Persico, an attorney with Lippes Mathias LLP, said the Genesee County Economic Development Center illegally created STAMP Sewer Works as “a sham corporation” to do the eminent domain proceedings against two Orleans County property owners. She has been hired by Orleans County.

ALABAMA – Orleans County officials made it clear they oppose efforts to run a 9-mile-long sewer pipeline from the STAMP manufacturing site in Alabama along Route 63 into Shelby, depositing up to 6 million gallons of treated wastewater into the Oak Orchard Creek.

County officials spoke during an eminent domain public hearing today. Orleans County has hired Lippes Mathias LLP in Buffalo to oppose the pipeline and the push for temporary construction easements on two properties in Shelby. One temporary construction easement also is needed in Alabama.

Michael Dobell, chief executive officer of the Orleans Economic Development Agency, said the sewer discharges from STAMP at up to 6 million gallons a day would limit the Orleans EDA’s efforts to attract businesses to the Medina Business Park in Shelby.

The discharges also would have an impact on the Oak Orchard, which is a major fishing draw for the county and also used by kayakers, boaters and others for recreation, Dobell said.

(Left) Mark Masse, senior vice president of operations for the Genesee County Economic Development Center, said the STAMP park offers numerous economic benefits for the region. (Right) Matthew Fitzgerald, attorney with Phillips Lytle and for STAMP Sewer Works, said the pipeline has received state and federal environmental approvals and won’t pose a significant environmental impact. He stressed the eminent domain is for a temporary construction easement and wouldn’t be permanent.

Dobell also announced Orleans County has secured the easements from the two holdout landowners in Shelby for the pipeline. The county acquired the easements with the purpose that no sewer pipeline construction be allowed on the land owned by Brennen and Valerie O’Connor, and Donald and Dana Quackenbush.

“We support our neighbors and advocate for economic development that facilitates growth of new industry in the region,” Dobell said during a public hearing at the Alabama Volunteer Fire Hall. “We are not opposed to the overall STAMP project as it exists in Genesee County. However, as representatives working on behalf of the residents and business owners in Orleans County, our mission is to foster economic development within Orleans County, and it would be inconsistent with that mission to support a project that would compromise local infrastructure, harm the county’s recreational waterways and is detrimental to economic development in Orleans County.”

The Genesee County Economic Development Center has been working for more than a decade to develop the STAMP “Green Manufacturing Mega Site.” The industrial park is 1,250 acres and is targeted for nanotechnology, chip manufacturers and other advanced manufacturing.

The first tenant at STAMP, Plug Power Inc., is under construction for a $290 million hydrogen production facility that is expected to be ready in the summer 2024 and will employ 68 workers.

Another company, Edwards Vacuum, announced plans in November for a $319 million factory that will produce equipment used in the semiconductor industry.

Joe Cardone, the Orleans County district attorney and a Shelby resident, said Genesee County’s pipeline project and eminent domain proceedings against two Shelby property owners violates a spirit of cooperation among the two counties.

Mark Masse, GCEDC senior vice president of operations, said STAMP could be a transformative project for the community, employing up to 9,000 people at full buildout of 6 million square feet of space. STAMP would have a big positive ripple effect throughout the region, including Orleans County, Masse said.

STAMP has secured 27 easements for the pipeline construction but needs three more. That’s why its subsidiary, STAMP Sewer Works, held the eminent domain public hearing today. That hearing was attended by about 75 people and lasted nearly three hours.

Masse and an engineer from Clark Patterson Lee said other options were studied for the sewer discharge – Tonawanda Creek, Whitney Creek and the wildlife refuge – but they would have a bigger impact on the environment and the neighboring Seneca Tonawanda Nation.

The 9-mile long sewer pipe with a 20-inch diameter is the most feasible alternative, Masse said. Without that pipeline the full buildout of STAMP will not be possible, he said.

The easement is needed for about two to three weeks of construction and then another week of property restoration for about a month total. Once the work is done the easement goes away.

Contractors need use of the property for excavators, drilling machines and dump trucks. About 10 to 15 people will be on site during construction.

The pipe will go down 6 to 23 feet. The project also includes pump stations.

Masse noted the project has secured environmental permits from the state and federal agencies.

Scott Logan, a subchief for the Bear Clan of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, said the STAMP project has been moving forward despite opposition from the Tonawanda Nation that borders the property. The STAMP site is a threat to Tonawanda culture and so much wildlife, he said. Other local residents shared similar concerns.

The Genesee County EDC was faulted for going outside its legal authority in using the STAMP Sewer Works entity to pursue the easements, said Dobell of the Orleans EDA and Jennifer Persico, an attorney with Lippes Mathias LLP, a firm retained by Orleans County.

Persico said STAMP Sewer Works is “a sham corporation” to do the eminent domain proceedings against two Orleans County property owners.

The General Municipal Law doesn’t allow an industrial development agency to use funds or provide financial assistance for projects outside its county borders, unless it has the other county’s support, Persico said. Orleans County never gave its consent for the eminent domain.

The GCEDC is clearly driving and funding the STAMP Sewer Works and pushing for the easements to discharge wastewater into Orleans, she said.

“This hearing is really an attempt by GCEDC to finance a project outside its boundaries which is prohibited outside the General Municipal Law,” she said. “At its core it seems the STAMP Sewer Works is an invalid corporation with no authority to undertake eminent domain.”

Matthew Fitzgerald, an attorney for STAMP Sewer Works, said the sewer pipeline has undergone “an extensive environmental review” from the Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the refuge and the Army Corps of Engineers.

“The GCEDC has avoided all adverse impacts to the maximum extent practical,” said Fitzgerald, an attorney with Phillips Lytle.

(Left) Geri Hens of Niagara County, a beekeeper with colonies in 15 counties, said too much farmland and environmentally sensitive areas are being lost to big business. (Right) Dr. Kirk A. Scirto, a family medicine specialist at Tonawanda Family Care Center, said the STAMP businesses could affect the nearby Tonawanda and other residents with more cases of nausea, rashes and other illnesses and conditions. He also said the sewer only serves big businesses and doesn’t allow residents to tap in.

Joe Cardone, the Orleans County district attorney and a Shelby resident, said the push by Genesee to discharge sewer water into the Oak Orchard goes against a spirit of cooperation that has long existed between the two counties.

“Shame on Genesee County for how this is happening,” Cardone said. “This may be a great project, but Orleans County really bears the brunt of this project, having to take on all the wastewater.”

Cardone said Orleans should have been brought to table in early discussions about how to handle the sewer needs for STAMP.

“We know very little about the quality of the wastewater (from STAMP),” Cardone said. “We do know it is to our detriment for the benefit of Genesee County.”

(Left) Jill Heaps, an attorney at Earthjustice’s Northeast office, said the pipeline construction and its outflow into Oak Orchard Creek raised environmental concerns. (Right) Margaux Valenti, Legal Director for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, said the full environmental impacts were considered with the 9-mile sewer pipeline.

Public hearing on Thursday morning for STAMP sewer line that goes into Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2023 at 8:58 am

ALABAMA – There will be a public hearing at 10 a.m. Thursday for eminent domain proceedings to allow a sewer line along Route 63 from the STAMP site to Oak Orchard Creek in Orleans County. The eminent domain would be for a temporary construction easement.

The hearing will be at Alabama Volunteer Fire Department, 2230 Judge Rd.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center is leading the effort to put in a new sewer line to serve the 1,250-acre manufacturing park just south of Shelby in the Town of Alabama.

According to a legal notice the eminent domain proceedings would be for land owned by David Schloss and Allison Adkison, Donald and Dana Quackenbush, and Brennen and Valerie O’Connor. Two of the parcels are in Shelby and one is in Alabama.

The sewer line has the potential to bring up to 6 million gallons of sanitary sewer into the Oak Orchard each day.

Medina Mayor Mike Sidari has publicly stated his concerns that the influx of water into the Oak Orchard could jeopardize efforts to develop the Medina Business Park.

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation also has been very vocal in opposing the project because they say the project disturbs land and natural resources that are vital to the Seneca culture.

The first tenant at STAMP, Plug Power Inc., is under construction for a $290 million hydrogen production facility that is expected to be ready in the summer 2024.

Another company, Edwards Vacuum, announced plans in November for a $319 million factory that will produce equipment used in the semiconductor industry.

There is still plenty of space at STAMP for other businesses and GCEDC officials say they are talking with other companies about coming to STAMP.

2,000-plus attend Old Tyme Day at church in East Shelby

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2023 at 8:23 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – Cups of lemonade are served for a penny during Old Tyme Day at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

The event typically draws about 2,000 people, and Sunday may have been the biggest crowd in the 34 years the church has put on the celebration. The church prepared 2,700 hot dogs and 315 pies (2,520 slices) – all available for a penny.

There were six different wagon rides, with the Collins Draft Horse OX & Pony Club bringing several teams of horses.

David Jaczynski has a tray of hot dogs ready for the crowd on Sunday afternoon. Jaczynski attends the church, coming in from North Pembroke.

Erik Olsen, the church pastor, said about 200 people put on the event. He said about 85 percent of the church’s members first came to East Shelby Community Bible Church through Old Tyme Day.

“We try to communicate that Christians are kind and generous and we don’t care about money,” Olsen said.

He said putting on the event has been a great way for the church members to get to know each other and work together.

Aaron Mayne of Medina does a blacksmith demonstration at West Jackson Corners, a village the church has created  for the historical displays. Besides the blacksmith shop there is a wood worker’s shop, a barn, a sewing shop and a mill with a water wheel fed by a sluiceway, as well as several other structures.

Jeremiah Hudson introduces a girl to a Nigerian dwarf goat. Hudson owns the Muggle Magic Nigerian Dwarf Goat Farm in the Town of Alabama.

These kids dance as part of the old-fashioned day celebration.

Rose Allen does laundry the old-fashioned way – in a wash basin. She said laundry was hard work back in the 1800s. It was typically done on Mondays with the dirtiest clothes done last. Water needed to be gathered and warmed up. When the task was done, the water was poured in flower beds. People used onions and lemons to help clean the clothes, she said.

Becca Nigro of Oakfield, left, and JoAnne Johnson of Medina make corn husk dolls that were given away for a penny. There were also homemade ice cream and butter making displays.

Becky Cruz prepares a bouquet of flowers. Church members bought in buckets full of flowers to create the bouquets, which were available for one cent and drew a long line of people.

The horse-drawn wagons were popular with rides offered throughout the afternoon.

Iroquois Job Corps sets open houses for July 27, Aug. 4

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 July 2023 at 8:43 am

MEDINA – Anyone who has been curious about what the Iroquois Job Corps Center does is invited to attend two upcoming community open houses scheduled July 27 and Aug. 4.

Each open house will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and community members can visit any time during those hours.

“We encourage our local neighbors and community members to come out to the Center and take a tour of campus, speak with our instructors, meet the Center leadership staff and learn about what a typical student does when participating in the program,” said Luke Kantor, Outreach and Admissions manager. “When people see all the great things we do here it can be a real eye opener and helps dispel some false information. We really do help change lives for the positive.”

Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training provider helping young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives by empowering them to get great jobs and become independent, Kantor said.

The Iroquois Job Corps Center has current student openings for brick masonry, carpentry, paint, electrical, certified nursing assistant and certified medical assistant.

The Center is set up like a college campus, with dormitories, training areas/classrooms, recreation facilities, student dining areas and more. The campus works directly with employers, both national and local, to help students fill available positions for in-demand jobs.

While in the program, students can also earn a high school diploma or high school equivalent, along with their driver’s license. Job Corps offers tuition-free housing, meals, basic healthcare, a living allowance and funds to assist with career transition.

Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care and transportation. An important benefit of living close to a Job Corps Center, Iike Iroquois, is that local students can drive to and from campus Monday through Friday as non-residential students and still live at home.

Kantor said it was important their students are ready for their next step after the program and aim at one the three E’s – Employment in their field of study joining the workforce, Enrollment in higher education to advance their skills and certifications and Enlistment in the military.

“Our students work hard over the year or so they are here to better themselves,” Kantor said. “We are here to assist with guidance, support, the necessary instruction for their future careers and that extra bit of encouragement when they need it.

The community is requested to RSVP for one of the Community Open House days to Kantor at (585) 344-3401, (585) 205-3653 or by e-mail at Kantor.Luke@jobcorps.org.

Iroquois Job Corps is located at 11780 Tibbets Rd., Medina, off Route 63.

Fire destroys old barn on Salt Works Road in Shelby

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2023 at 6:55 pm

Hot embers spread to 2 other sites that are quickly put out

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – Firefighters carry a hose to the back of a barn that burned this afternoon at 5022 Salt Works Rd. in Shelby.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 4:36 p.m. Fire destroyed most of the old wooden barn, which hadn’t been used in many years.

The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company directs water from up high down on the smoldering site.

Shelby Fire Chief Dave Moden said a brush fire behind the barn spread to the structure, causing the fire. Some hot embers from the barn blew on neighbors property. One landed on a barn nearby and burnt a hole in the roof before it was extinguished by firefighters.

A small corn bin also caught on fire and was put out, Moden said.

Firefighters spray water on the back end of the barn.

Several fire companies assisted Shelby at the scene including Medina, Middleport and Wolcottsville, with East Shelby filling in at Shelby’s fire hall.